The Public Service Commission has extended by a week the deadline for application for those students who wish to seek assistance under the 2010 Student Loan Scheme.
With 431 applications received by the PSC Scholarship Office, Mr Parmesh Chand, PS PSC said applications are still being received from students particularly in the rural areas.
He said it is only fair that a week’s extension be granted as there was not enough time for those in rural areas to respond. The new deadline for the receipt of applications is now Friday 5th March 2010.
“Both new and continuing students are eligible to apply, however they must read the criteria carefully,” Mr Chand said.
The criteria for selection are:
· A Student must be a Fiji citizen;
· Between the ages of 18 and 25 years;
· Fully supported by parents or guardians, whose combine annual income does not exceed $15,000 per annum; salary slips must be enclosed as evidence otherwise a Statutory Declaration signed by a JP or a Commissioner of Oaths has to be included in the application;
· Students will be considered if they have secured a place in the Institution they wish to study in;
· Undertaking study in a field considered by the PSC as appropriate to the human resource needs of the nation;
· Form 7 and Foundation Courses will not be sponsored in this scheme; and
· Students already on full scholarship and studying on Fiji Government, Public Service Commission, Fijian Affairs (except foundation) and Multi-Ethnic Affairs will not be considered.
The Student Loan Scheme is an affirmative action programme by the Government of Fiji designed to assist disadvantaged families who cannot otherwise access tertiary training education.